Who were Templars?

         Templars were a military order in the middle ages. They wore white cloaks with a red cross, and a half-white, half-black banner. Templars' shields had the same image on them. Templars took vows of obedience, chastity, and poverty. Templars were some of the most skilled fighters in the crusade (a military campaign). But trust in the Templars faded because of rumors.

Templar Pendant

         Rumors of a secret initiation ceremony caused mistrust and suspicion. Many Templars were dedicated to war. Mainly war against Muslims. In France many Templars were accused of many crimes, such as heresy and/or witchcraft. When accused the Templars were captured and tortured into giving false confessions of these crimes; after these confessions they were burned at the stake. After being pressured by King Philip, Pope Clement V ended the order in the year 1312.